Dear UMB Community:

Today in Annapolis, I was proud to witness the inauguration of the 63rd governor and 10th lieutenant governor of the state of Maryland. Gov. Wes Moore is the first Black governor in the state’s 246-year history and only the third Black governor elected in the United States. Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller is the second woman to serve in the role and the first woman of color and immigrant elected to statewide office in Maryland.

It is a historic day for our state and for our country.

In his inaugural address, Governor Moore called upon Marylanders to do away with false choices, such as choosing between a competitive economy and an equitable one, between being a safe state and a just state, and between excellence and equitable education. Reflecting on the day, he said: 

“Now yes, Aruna’s and my portraits are going to look a little different from the ones we’ve always seen in the capitol. But that’s not the point. This journey has never been about ‘making history.’ It is about marching forward. Today is not an indictment of the past; it’s a celebration of our future. And today is our opportunity to begin a future so bright, it is blinding. But only if we are intentional, inclusive, and disciplined in confronting challenges, making hard choices, and seizing the opportunity in front of us.”

That message of intentionality, inclusivity, and turning challenges into opportunities, along with Governor Moore’s call to service, aligns so well with our mission and values at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. We congratulate Governor Moore and Lieutenant Governor Miller. We look forward to working with this new administration as we celebrate this historic day.

Sincerely,

Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS

President